1 p.m.

The VCU Alcohol Research Center will host the next seminar in the Foundations of Alcohol Research Seminar Series. The lecture, by Amy Lasek, Ph.D., is part of a a monthly informal series for predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows and others interested in alcohol research. The stand-alone lectures focus on the human disease of alcoholism and will briefly introduce animal models. The seminar will be screened in Room 635, Hermes A. Kontos Medical Sciences Building, 1217 E. Marshall St. Click on the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jennifer T. Wolstenholme at jwolstenholme@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84265504477?pwd=Mga1hTqNfPwrRJq1B2q1E85TH6v0ty.1.

11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Breathe and Rise is a free weekly chair yoga class open to all ages and abilities at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. No mat, no floor work, just gentle movement and breathe to reconnect to your body and find steady ground, right where you are.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.

12 p.m.

Come to a brief informational overview of the Evening MBA and a live student panel featuring current Evening MBA students sharing what it’s really like to balance career, coursework and life. Hear why they chose the Evening MBA, what surprised them most and how the program is supporting their goals. If you’re considering an MBA or want an inside look at what it’s really like to be in the program, this is your chance to hear directly from those living it. The Zoom link is at the following URL.

For more information, contact Evan Torpy at torpyec@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/89783238050.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

VCU Interdisciplinary Studies will host an informational session via Zoom for the Masters of Interdisciplinary Studies. Learn how you can build a custom masters degree tailored to your interests.

For more information, contact Samantha Weed at weedsj@vcu.edu.

3 p.m.

Learn to navigate library databases and form search strategies to aid your search for credible resources. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Global Education Office and the Department of Focused Inquiry in the College of Humanities and Sciences at VCU will offer an opportunity to study on site in Santiago and Valparaiso, Chile, over spring break. Join program leader Hilary Levinson in Grace E. Harris Hall, Room 5116c, 1015 Floyd Ave., to learn details of the trip.

For more information, contact Julia Wells at wellsj7@vcu.edu or (804) 827-7882 or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11753.

5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Join Save the Children Action Network at VCU for its Chipotle fundraiser at 810 W. Grace St. When making a purchase, tell the cashier you are supporting the SCAN fundraiser.

For more information, contact Save the Children Action Network at VCU at scanatvcu@gmail.com.

5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Join the conversation with Ellen Huet, author of "Empire of Orgasm" at the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center (ICA), 601 W. Broad St. Building on the Bloomberg article that exposed the dark side of OneTaste and its founder, Nicole Daedone, "Empire of Orgasm" tells how a boundary-pushing wellness program became a cult that, according to dozens of witnesses, exploited its members. Huet reveals how OneTaste’s demand for absolute fealty to Daedone on the path to enlightenment and healing. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Institute for Contemporary Art at ica@vcu.edu or visit https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/87368215/author-rvaellen-huetempire-of-orgasm-richmond-institute-for-contemporary-art-at-vcu.

6 p.m.

Learn the tools necessary to establish your ideas in a logical way to connect with your audience. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Thursday, Sep. 24, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Center for Human-Animal Interaction will host Pups on the Plaza. The first 200 meals will be complimentary (limit one per those in attendance). A rotating cast of Dogs on Call therapy dogs will be at the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC), 1201 E. Marshall St., ready to meet and greet passersby. You can also support the Dogs on Call program by purchasing a Dogs on Call T-shirt or purchasing a meal ticket.

For more information, contact Center for Human-Animal Interaction at CHAI@VCUHealth.org or (804) 628-2532 or visit https://chai.vcu.edu/.

Thursday, Sep. 24, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Business transfer students are invited to stop by the Office of Student Engagement's table to learn more about resources and support systems that are available to them. The table will be in the atrium of Snead Hall, 301 W. Main St. Come say hello, fill out a quick survey, ask questions and grab an Insomnia cookie. We look forward to learning about your experience and how to support you better.

For more information, contact Office of Student Engagement at ose@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/undergraduate-students/office-of-student-engagement/.

Thursday, Sep. 24, 2026 from noon to 3 p.m.

Come to the Healthcare Opportunities and Professional School Fair at the University Student Commons, Richmond Salons, 907 Floyd Ave. Connect with healthcare and community based organizations offering opportunities that unite your academic goals to real-world experiences, including volunteer and service hours, that advance your career development. Whether you are already on a track designed to help you pursue a specific healthcare focus or you are still exploring healthcare and adjacent careers, this fair is for you. The event is co-sponsored by VCU P.R.I.M.E. (Pre-Health and Related Interest Mentoring Experiences)

For more information, contact Danielle Pearles at ddpearles@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Sep. 24, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Join the VCU Mary and Frances Youth Center and the VCU Center for Sport Leadership for an interactive professional learning workshop exploring how restorative justice can strengthen youth programs, sports environments, schools and community organizations. The session will be at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdyjlzK2BJu6z2BrNgn84l632rrFbkQR-lF8sEM8YfSVv-5SA/viewform?usp=header.

Thursday, Sep. 24, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Science Hub and the Office of Undergraduate Research will present the third and final Undergraduate Research Series panel of the semester in the STEM Building, Room 112, 817 W. Franklin St. Want to become involved in research but not sure how? This panel features undergrad student researchers who share about their work, their experiences and how they connected with their faculty advisers. Register or submit questions for panelists at https://forms.gle/EvC46HzPCQbgefaHA

For more information, contact Sunauz Moezzi at moezzis@vcu.edu or visit https://clc.vcu.edu/science-hub/.

Friday, Sep. 25, 2026 from 11 a.m. to noon

Join a meeting via Zoom to plan for Disability Advocacy Week and continue work on the group's accessibility initiatives, including reducing the impact of commercial scooters and developing accessibility education for student organizations. Click on the following URL for the Zoom link.

For more information, contact Shady Habib at habibss@vcu.edu or (703) 314-2515 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/89498678820.

Friday, Sep. 25, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health, Virginia Council on Problem Gambling and Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities via Zoom for their monthly problem gambling lunch and learn. This month Vena Schexnayder, MSW, will speak. Register at https://vpgh.vcu.edu/events/

For more information, contact Emma Freeman at freemane@vcu.edu or visit https://vpgh.vcu.edu/.

Friday, Sep. 25, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Join Bioethics 4 Students, officers Rhea Chatterjee and Spoorti Kalashetti for an involved discussion on the many ethical considerations of emerging gene therapy science and technology. Plus, pick up a zine from the organization's kick-off event earlier in the month. Snacks will be provided. The session will be in Hibbs Hall, Room 207, 900 Park Ave.

For more information, contact Ria Bajpai at bajpair2@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Sep. 30, 2026 at 5 p.m.

Join the VCU Department of Health Administration for a virtual informational session to learn about the Ph.D. program in Health Services Organization and Research's curriculum, assistantship opportunities, and post-graduation outcomes. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cameron Parkins at parkinsc@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/Rof6SdWfn3i438jt8.

Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 at 11 a.m.

Interested in a career in environmental planning, community revitalization or metropolitan planning? Join a presentation and Q&A conducted by the Wilder School's Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) faculty to learn more about your graduate school options. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ross Losapio at losapior@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0364 or visit https://bit.ly/murp1001.

Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Join the VCU Division of Community Engagement to bring the VCU community together with community partners for the annual Fall VCU Day of Service. The event brings together faculty, staff, students and community partners for meaningful service across the greater Richmond region. Volunteers will work alongside community organizations that are already making an impact, helping to strengthen partnerships, learn from one another and support thriving communities. Multiple service opportunities and shifts will be available throughout the day. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/events/dayofservice/.

Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Want to learn more about TEDxVCU or become a speaker? Join the open house. Meet the TEDxVCU team, learn about the speaker selection process, discover what makes a great TEDx talk and explore ways to become involved. The session will be in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact TEDxVCU at tedx@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1948413 .

Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

VCU's Office of Admissions seeks volunteers to assist with its largest event for prospective Rams. Volunteers will welcome guests, answer questions and direct guests around campus. Sign up at the following URL or direct questions to the following email address.

For more information, contact Kevin-Allen Harris at harriskv2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFQuVCBYL19XyHSDzeyWBXVM_ZV1hDrAiIb0cOpjUb4swRVw/viewform?usp=dialog.

Phishing scams are everywhere. They are designed to trick you into sharing passwords, financial information, or personal details through fake emails, phone numbers, websites and social media accounts that might look trustworthy. Before you respond: Pause if the message seems urgent or asks you to act immediately. Verify the request using official contact information or websites – not the information provided in the message. Lastly, protect your personal information, passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA) verification codes. Be safe, and report suspicious emails, texts, calls and screenshots to phishing@vcu.edu. Check out VCU’s current scam alerts at https://blogs.vcu.edu/phishing/.

For more information, contact VCU Information Technology at phishing@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/phishing/.

Have a business idea you want to test or interested in learning how to become an entrepreneur? Join the da Vinci Center's Shelfie Program, a four-week, co-curriculuar program that uses design thinking to help you develop a product, service or business idea! This program is free to join and open to all VCU students. The next cohort begins Saturday, Sept. 26. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ashley Wenger at wengeran@vcu.edu or visit https://shiftretail.vcu.edu/programming/shelfie-program/.

What is Richmond (RVA) CERT? The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their neighborhood and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. Those who join CERT will gain practical experience with the emergency management field. RVA CERT will be hybrid for Fall 2026 which creates flexibility for those with a busy schedule. Sign up for CERT at the following URL.

For more information, contact Katherine Murillo at murillok@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSetJy8oLs8JmntqFxcjH89Pc8C-eWGFWqkrG6FAK6yxvkz9dQ/viewform.

This is a juried exhibition open to artists who identify as disabled, neurodivergent, chronically ill, have a chronic condition or otherwise see themselves fitting within this exhibition. This show is affiliated with VCU Libraries. Participating artists will have the opportunity to receive prizes donated by community art spaces and artist resources. All applications will be due by Wednesday, Sept. 30. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Xavier McDaniel at mcdanielxl@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctITA6UkrB7x-ZMGye8stNAdiZ6cPxvTiQWAcWxKwUkG0QwA/viewform.

GEO offers a student-centered intercultural agility training through the Student Global Zone Training. Participants will gain a basic understanding of intercultural agility and communication skills by considering how their own cultural experiences and values impact their intercultural agility practices. Participants will attain a micro-credential digital badge. To request this workshop for your class, student organization meeting, or program, fill out the interest form at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kelly Richard at richardkj@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfK5v2Hv5V68BPAO2iKmryQxKUxJIoSmUasCaxSZGgqtOfIpg/viewform.

This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 years who have GAD or symptoms of GAD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of cold water immersion on GAD symptoms with specific focus on blood vessel function. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principle Investigator: Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.

For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.

The Research on Excessive, Persistent and Emotion-Based Actions and Traits (REPEAT) Lab at VCU is conducting a brain imaging study to understand decision-making processes in adults with anorexia nervosa. Participants will be compensated for participating in this study.

For more information, contact REPEAT Lab at repeat@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2658 or visit https://tinyurl.com/25wnkh7z.

Recruiting women between 45-55 years old for a study on whether diet education, lifestyle changes and medication can help women in perimenopause feel healthier. Qualifications and what to expect: https://womenshealth.vcu.edu/research/studies-currently-recruiting/ Sign up at the following URL.

For more information, contact Maggie Christ at christmm@vcu.edu or visit https://mailxto.com/axs1fyrusn.

The NERDD Lab (Novel Environments for Reducing Disability and Dysfunction) is currently recruiting participants for a virtual reality motor learning study. This research is being done to investigate how you adapt movements. You will be asked to complete a reaching game in a 3D virtual reality environment. You must be right-handed and between the ages of 18 and 40 to participate. Compensation is available for your participation.

For more information, contact Narges Yaghoubi at yaghoubin@vcu.edu.

Researchers with the Department of Family Medicine and Population Health are looking for participants, 18-75, who may be experiencing sinus infection symptoms to participate in the NOSES study. The purpose of the study is to determine the best treatments for individuals with acute sinus infection symptoms and to identify which patient populations respond best to different treatments. You may be eligible to participate if you have sinus symptoms lasting for less than three weeks. Study participants will be compensated for their time. What’s involved? A virtual visit with a study doctor and team member, a two-minute daily symptom survey, a free saline nasal rinse kit delivered to you plus a $20 gift card at enrollment. If symptoms last longer than nine days, randomly assigned to receive antibiotics, steroid nasal spray, both or neither, with the opportunity to receive additional compensation. To learn more, contact the NOSES study team at the following telephone number or email address.

For more information, contact Gaby Villalobos at NOSES@vcu.edu or (804) 659-1287 or visit https://nosesstudy.georgetown.edu/.

Yiwen Wei, Ph.D., associate professor of art education, is seeking 30 intergenerational pairs (two family members from different generations) living in the greater Richmond area and with family backgrounds in immigration (current or ancestry) to share their family stories and create artwork together. Each participant will receive a $25 gift card. Complete the eligibility form at the following URL by Wednesday, Sept. 30. Registration will remain open until filled.

For more information, contact Yiwen Wei, Ph.D. at weiy2@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/wCdyf7iiCtJEDLrG9.

We are seeking VCUarts undergraduate students, age 18 or older, majoring in visual art-related disciplines, including painting and printmaking, communication arts, and graphic design, among others, to participate in this VCU IRB-approved research project, “A Mixed-Methods Study of Art Students’ Flow Experiences With and Without the Use of GenAI” (VCU IRB ID: HM300001354). As a participant, you will spend approximately 130 minutes in the study, during which you will complete a background survey, an art-making task, pre- and post-task evaluation forms, and a focus group discussion. Participants will receive a $20 gift card as compensation for their time and effort. If you are interested in participating, please review the research information and fill out the Participation and Informed Consent Form at the following URL by Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026. You must log in with your VCU account. We will contact you with further information once the recruitment cycle has concluded. If you have any questions about the study, please contact the Primary Investigator, Yiwen Wei, Ph.D., Associate Professor in Art Education at VCU, via email at weiy2@vcu.edu. This research is supported by the 2026-2027 VCU Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Grants and the 2026-2027 NAEF Research Grants.

For more information, contact Yiwen Wei, Ph.D., at weiy2@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/kkDCbZbAmLWy6bYP9.